Board confirms Hughes principal, acknowledges retirements; bus driver raises contract and scheduling concerns

The Berkeley Heights Board of Education on May 15 confirmed a slate of personnel actions that included the appointment of Chris Derfinger as the incoming principal at Hughes School. Derfinger introduced himself during the public‑comment period and said he was excited to start; outgoing Hughes principal Jessica Nardy publicly thanked the board and said she had already scheduled transition time with her successor.

Board members also acknowledged multiple retirements, including long‑serving staff and the business administrator, and discussed plans to interview candidates and seek an interim business administrator for July and August. Board members emphasized the need to vet candidates who hold the qualifications (such as QPA certification) the district expects.

During public comment, district bus driver Tamar Tier described problems with a newly created athletic‑driver position. Tier said the role’s contract language did not clearly set expectations for Saturday availability, that scheduling notices were sometimes given only days or hours in advance, and that the lack of a clear job description had led to operational and personal challenges. She asked the board to consider reassigning her to a regular route driver role, noting the district sometimes outsources routes at additional cost when internal coverage is not available.

Board members and administrators acknowledged Tier’s concerns and said the administration would follow up, including exploring whether a route‑driver posting could be offered and how scheduling and contract language should be clarified. Several public commenters praised district staff and urged the board to address staffing and contract clarity.

The board’s personnel motions passed by roll call; the administration will finalize paperwork for the Hughes principal and continue the business‑office hiring process.